Price, 25 Cents 



The Reunion 

at 

Pine Knot Ranch 



BY 

MARIE IRISH 




PAINE PUBLISHING CO. 

DAYTON, OHIO 



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The songs must be real novelties. The words 
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Price, 35 cents each; 5 for $1.25 

WELCOME SONGS 

We've Just Arrived from Bashful Town. 
We Hope You've Brought Your Smiles 

Along. 
Come and Partake of OurWelcome Cake. 
We're Very Glad to See You Here. 
With Quaking Hearts We Welcome You. 

CLOSING SONGS 

I Mr. Sun and Mrs. Moon. 



• 



Now, Aren't You Glad You Came? 
We Do Not Like to Say Goodbye. 
We'll Now Have to Say Goodbye. 



The Reunion 
at Pine Knot Ranch 



By Marie Irish 

AUTHOR OF 

"Choice Christmas Entertainments" 

''Primary Christmas Book" 

"Best Christmas Pantomimes" 

"Snappy Humorous Dialogues" 



PAINE PUBLISHING COMPANY 
DAYTON, OHIO 



The Reunion at Pine Knot Ranch 

CHARACTERS 

Mr. Hall, owner of ranch. '~T?^>1&"~ > 

Mrs. Hall, his wife. . ,**•"" Ct**>% 

Hal, their son, . y£\ ** 

Mrs. Kerr, cook at the ranch. 

Bill \ 

Pete K cowboys. 

Shorty ) 

Mrs. Becker, a neighbor. 

Gene \ 

Cecil \ Girls of 8, 11 and 13 related to Mr. Becker. 

Jo ) 

Time of Plating — About thirty minutes. 



Copyright, 1922, by 
L. M. Paine 

SEP 29 '11 

©C1A687048 



The Reunion at Pine Knot Ranch 

COSTUMES 

Mrs. Hall, stylish house dress, hair nicely done, jewels; Mrs. 
Kerr, Mrs. Becker and the girls, common house dresses; Mr. Hall, 
business suit; Hal, Bill, Pete and tSfiiorty, corduroy trousers or 
overalls, colored shirts, belts, colored handkerchiefs knotted around 
the throat. 

STAGE ARRANGEMENT 

The living- room at Pine Knot ranch should have rugs on the 
floor, guns and long knives hung on the wall, several furs on the 
wall and spread on chairs. In the third scene there should be 
trimmings of evergreen. In the second scene the stage is scantily 
furnished with table, chairs and some cheap pictures pinned to 
wall. If stage is wide enough, second scene can be played in front 
of first, by having curtain a few feet from back, to do away with 
moving furniture of first scene. 

SCENE I — Living room at Pine Knot Ranch, 

Discovered, Hal, Bill, Pete and Shorty; sitting about 

the room. 

Bill; Seems to me, seein' as how Chris 'mus is most here, 
that we'd ought er be fixin' up some an' gittin' ready to 
celebrate. 

Pete : Sure thing. Wot's the use of seittin' 'round like 
the most important day o' the year wasn't huslin' right 
'long, gettin' nearer all the while? I say, le's do some- 
thin'. 

Hal : That's what I say, too. We ought to decorate an' 
make some pop corn, balls, an' some candy. Is Ma Kerr 
getting some Christmas baking done? 

Shorty : I 'spose she is, seein' as your pa an' ma is 
expectin' to be here for Chris 'mus. We'll find out. 
[Calls.] Oh, Ma Kerr. 

Bill: Don't you know her left ear is deaf an' her right 
one don't hear good? [Calls loudly.] Mother Kerr. 

3 



4 THE REUNION AT PINE KNOT RANCH 

Pete; You fellers ain't got no lungs. You couldn't even 
call the cows home. [Yells very loud.] Oh-ee, Ma Kerr. 

Enter Mrs. Kerr 

Mrs. Kerr : Lan' sakes, what's all this noise? Is one of 
you sick, or is the house on fire ? 

Bill: Worse 'n that, Ma. There's an awful big mus 
comin'. 

Mrs. Kerr : What kind of a mus ? 

Bill-: Chris 'mus — don't you know what date it's gettin' 
to be? 

Mrs. Kerr : Is that all you called me here to tell me? 
[Stands arms akimbo.] Don't I know it? Ain't I 
makin' pound cake an' mince pies an' plum puddin' an' 
snaps an' cookies, gittin' ready for Chris 'mus dinner? 
Ain't I been cleanin' up an' washin' tablecloths an' get- 
tin' the house ready? Chris 'mus — you make me tired! 

Shorty : Good for you, Ma Kerr. We want to have a 
big time on Chris 'mus day an' we're glad you've got 
thing's started. 



L o' 



Hal: Won't you let us fellows make some candy? I 
think that would be fun. Folks always have candy at 
Christmas time. 

Mrs. Kerr : No, I won't. If we're goin' to have candy 
I'll make it myself. You'd git to actin' up or throwin' 
each other down or somethin' an' let the candy burn. 

Hal : No, we wouldn't. Say, can) we make some popcorn 
balls? 

Mrs. Kerr : Popcorn balls? If you made some you'd 
throw 'em at each other. No sir, I'll tell you now, we're 
goin' to have a splendid Chris 'mus, 'cause Mr. an' Mis' 
Hall's goin' to be here, an' you fellows has to dress up 
an' behave yerselves. 

Bill: Aw, dress up — nothin' doin'! 






THE REUNION AT PINE KNOT RANCH 5 

Pete: I don't know how to act when I'm dressed up. 

Hal : I get enough of bein' dressed up when I'm in the 
city. 

Mrs. Kerr: Well, I've told you what's what, an' you'll 
have to do like I say. Now I ain't got no more time to 
spend on you. I'm busy. [Exit.] 

Shorty: Now, ain't she fierce? I'll bet she does jus' like 
she says. 

Pete: So do I. She's an awful hand to boss. [Sighs.] 

Bill: If she tries to make me wear a biled shirt an' a 
standin' collar I'll play I'm sick an' stay in bed. I 
• hate to be dressed up. 

Enter Mrs. Kerr, carrying a telegram. 

Mrs. Kerr : Jake Crandall jes' went past an' left this 
telegram. I wonder what it says. I '11 bet it 's some bad 
news. [Shakes head.] 

Pete: Who's it for? 

Mrs. Kerr: It's for Hal. I is 'pose mebbe it's from his 
folks. Dear me, I wonder what it says. I never did like 
telegramses. 

Shorty: Well, if it's for Hal, why not let 'im read it an' 
see what's gone wrong. 

Mrs. Kerr : Oh, do you s 'pose somethin 's gone wrong. Oh, 
dear, dear! An' jes' when I was makin' so much good 
stuff fer Chris 'mus. I wonder WHAT it says. It looks 
awful sad someway. 

Hal : Well, say, if it's mine, let me read it. I don't s'pose 
it's bad luck. Likely from father telling when they'll 
get here. 

Mrs. Kerr : I wonder if 'tis. Looks awful suspicious-like 
to me. 

Hal [goes over] : Let me find out the worst. [Takes 
telegram.] 



6 THE REUNION AT PINE KNOT RANCH 

Mrs. Kerr: Don't read it till I've got set. [She sits and 
clutches the chair.] Now I'll try to stand it. [Shuts her 
eyes.] 

Hal [after scanning telegram] : It's from father. There 
has been a wreck on one of the lines and they are detained 
so they may not get here for Christmas, Isn't that a 
shame ? 

Bill : I'll say it is. That's a nice way to spoil onr Chris '- 
mus party. 

Mrs. Kerr: Dear, dear, an' all the good stuff I've got 
baked up an' more started. That's a nice way to treat 
us, I'll say. 

Shorty: Well, say, Ma, you act like they was to blame 
fer that accident. They didn't cause it. 

Mrs. Kerr : Well, it's a nice way to treat my Chris 'mus 
dinner — no matter who caused it. [Goes out angrily.] 

Hal: Now, ain't she the limit? Shucks, it'll be a dreary 
Christmas without the folks here. What '11 we do? Wish 
we could have a party and ask somebody in for dinner. 
Can't we do something to make things merry? 

Bill : Who '11 we ask ? Only one family within four- miles 
of us. 

Pete : Say, Becker told me that some his folks had come 
to stay with 'im — some young folks. Let's ask 'em 
over for a party. 

Hal: Are they boys or girls? 

Pete : I dunno — guess he didn't say. 'Course we don't 
want to ask girls over, but if there's some boys, le's have 
'em. 

Shorty-. That's what I say. We've got to have some 
sort of a good time or we won't know it's Chris 'mus. 
Besides, Mis' Becker is so ugly that she won't show 
those new-comers any merriment. Let's ask 'em over. 



THE REUNION AT PINE KNOT RANCH 7 

Hal : But what if they're girls? 

Bill: I'll phone over an' find out 'bout it. Lucky they're 
on our line. [Hurries out.] 

Pete: I hope we can have 'em here; that Mis' Becker 
is the meanest crank in the county ; bet she wouldn 't git 
up a Chris 'mus dinner to please the King o' Kamchatky. 

Hal : We'll need some one to help eat Ma Kerr's goodies. 

Enter Bill. 

Bill: Say, I phoned over an' one the newcomers him- 
self answered. I asked how many of 'em had jest come 
there to stay an' he said three; then I asked what their 
namesi was and he said, Gene, Cecil an' Joe, so you see, 
it's three boys. I asked if they'd come over for our 
Chris 'mus blow-iout an' he said they'd be glad to come 
if Mis' Becker didn't mind. She'd gone off an' they'll 
let us know soon's she's back. 

Enter Mrs. Kerr. 

Mrs. Kerr : Oh, my, my, my! Oh, dear, deary me! 
[Groans and sinks into chair.'] 

Hal : What's the matter? 

Pete: You sick, Ma Kerr? [They stand by her anx- 
iously.] 

Mrs. Kerr: Oh, it's took me awful bad. [Groans.] Oh, 
lawsy, this is the worst I've ever had. [Holds head with 
both hands and gro<ans.] 

Hal: What is it— a spell? 

Shorty : Is it the nooralgy ? Do you want the hot water 
bottle ? 

Bill: You want the arnicky to rub it? [Mrs. Kerr 
groans.] 



8 THE REUNION AT PINE KNOT RANCH 

Pete: You want us to phone for the doctor? [More 
groans.] 

Shorty: Shall we send for the preacher? 

Mrs. Kerr: No — I ain't dead. [Groans.] It's my noo- 
ralgy; it's took me awful bad, all of a suddint, in my 
head. [Groans.] Now it's goin' down in my arm, too 
[They stand around her anxiously, one tries to rub her 
arm.] Run git that flannel out my chest to wrap my 
head in. [Shorty runs out.] This is terrible, jest at 
Chris 'mus. Thank goodness the baking's 'bout done. 
Oh, dear! [Groans.] 

Enter Shorty with long strip of red flannel. 

Shorty: Shall we wind it 'round your head? 

Mrs. Kerr : Yes, yes. [Groans.] I'm gittin worse. 
[They wind the strip of flannel around her head, all try- 
ing to help and Mrs. Kerr scolding.] I'll have to go lie 
down. This '11 last three days — it alius does. [She goes 
out groaning.] 

Hal : This is nice for our Christmas party. 

Bill: Oh, there's the phone. I'll see what Mis' Becker 
says. [Runs out.] 

Shorty: Yes, comp'ny invited an' Mother Kerr sick, 
shucks. [They sit around in disgust.] 

Enter Bill. 

Bile [dropping into a chair and pretending to faint] : I'll 
be — 

Hal : What's the matter? 

Pete: Can't they come? 

Shorty : Put the arnicky under his nose. 

Binh[siUmg up] : No, you don't. Arnicky 's too strong 
for me. Say we're in for it. 



THE REUNION AT PINE KNOT RANCH 9 

Hal: What's the matter? 

Bill: Matter enough! Mis' Becker phoned an' said if 
we're givin' a Chris 'mus party her nieces will be glad 
to come. 

Shorty: Nieces — you mean girls? 

Bill: Yep, girls! I didn't let on that we didn't know 
they was girls, but I said as how they 've got queer names 
an' she says yes, Gene is Eugenia, an' Joe is Josie, 
Cecil — she's a gal, too. Three of 'em! 

Hal: Good land, what we going to do? 

Pete : We can't give a party to three girls. 

Shorty: An' Mother Kerr sick in bed an' groanin' with 
pain. 

Hal: Well, we've invited them — we'll have to let them 
come. 

Pete: But what '11 they think to git here an' only find us 
three fellers? We need a chapyrony. 

Hal: 'Course we do an' we've got to have one. Won't 
be proper not to have a woman on deck but — we will. 
[Laughs.] We'll have one. 

Pete; Where you goin' to find 'er with no women round 
the country? 

Hal [laughing] : I'll have my old-maid aunt here to act 
as chapyrony — as Pete calls her. Shorty 'll make a 
good old-maid. [They all laugh.] 

Shorty: Not on your life! I won't do it. I object! I 
refuse ! 

Hal: Yes, you've got to. We ought to do some kindness 
on Christmas day; that's the rule, and we can do those 
girls a great kindness by giving them one of Mother 
Kerr's good dinners and showing them a merry time. 
Think how dreary they'll be with Mis' Becker, the old 
crank. 



10 THE REUNION AT PINE KNOT RANCH 

Bill: Yep, that's so. 

Pete : Shorty can play lie 's a woman, well 's not. They 
won't know he ain't a nice ol' maid. [They laugh 
heartily.] 

Shorty: I won't, I shan't — 80! 

Hal: You've GOT to. We'll decorate the house and with 
what Ma Kerr has cooked we '11 have a fine dinner. We'll 
make candy and popcorn balls — say, it's going to be 
great. 

Bill : Yep, it will, all right. 

Shorty: Yep—it WON'T! 

Hal: Let's dress him up now and see how he looks. 
[Laughing, they drag Shorty from the room.] 

CURTAIN 



SCENE II— The Becker Soma 

Discovered, Mrs. Becker. 

Mrs. Becker: Well, I'm sure glad to git rid of these* 
girls on Chris 'mus day. Seein' as Jason had to go off 
on that work an' can't be home I won't have to fix up no 
Chris 'mus dinner if they're gone. An' if they're invited 
off fer dinner they won't need no other presents an' 
fussin'. I don't care nuthin' 'bout all this Chris 'mus 
palaver nohow. It's all bosh. Bad nuff to have these 
three girls sent down here to live with me, say nothin' 
'bout makin' a merry Chris 'mus for 'em. Jes' cause they 
happen to be childern of his cousin Howard that 's died, I 
don't see why they've got to come an' live here. Henry 
makes me tired — he's got too soft a heart an' I ain't 
skeered to tell 'im so. Well, I'll find some way to git 
rid of 'em 'fore long. Anyhow, thank goodniss, I ain't 



THE REUNION AT PINE KNOT RANCH 11 

got to do no Chris 'mus fussin'. They've been hintin' 
'bout a Chris 'mus tree an' makin' candy an' things like 
that, but I didn't let on like I heerd. All this Chris 'mus 
nonsense would be cut out if I had my way, I'm tellin' 
ye. [Part of the time, while talking, she has been wiping 
off the table and putting room in order.'] 

Enter Josie. 

Josie : Do I look all right to go to the party ? Cecil let 
me wear her hair ribbon. 

Mrs. Becker [crossly] : Han 'some is that han'some does. 
You'll look good miff if you behave proper. 

Enter Eugenia. 

Gene: Well, I guess I'm ready for the party. I wish I 
had a sash to wear with my dress ; it would look lots 
nicer with a bright sash. [Timidly.] I don't s'pose 
you've got one you could let me wear, have you, Cousin 
Martha ? 

Mrs. Becker : I don't hold with borrowin' — it's a dreat- 
ful poor plan, 'cordin' to my idee. I guess you look 
good nuff an' I don't believe in folks dressin' better 'n 
they can afford. Folks that's livin' off other people 
can't put on style. 

Gene: All right, Cousin Martha. I didn't mean to make 
you cross, but my dress looks so plain that I wished 1 
could have a sash. 

Mrs: Becker: Some folks has awful lofty notions. I've 
got some real bright cloth I spose I could let you wear. 
[Goes over and hunts in a basket; pulls out a strip of 
bright calico.] Now this '11 do real well for a sash. 

Gene : Oh, but that's calico! 

Mrs. Becker [angrily] ; Well, what you want ? Silk er 
satin, I s'pose. This is plenty good nuff. I'll put it on 

ye- 



12 THE REUNION AT PINE KNOT RANCH 

Gene [timidly] •. Oh, please, Cousin Martha, I don't 
think I want to wear this. The folks might laugh at me. 

Mrs. Becker : Laugh at some my good cloth, eh? Like 
to ketch 'em at it! You wanted a sash, now you'll wear 
one. [She puts the calico on Gene and ties it clumsily 
at one side.] This '11 do fine, [Gene wipes her eyes 
when Mrs. Becker isn't looking.] 

Enter Cecil. 

Cecil: I'm ready. I do hope we have, a good time. I 
think Christmas is splendid when we can go someplace. 

Mrs. Becker: Humph! Chris 'mus ain't no better 'n any 
other day. All this fussin' over it is stuff an' nonsense. 

Jo : We used to have a Christmas tree ev 'ry year an ' have 
splendid times. [Sighs.] 

Gene : Yes, an' we had the house decorated with greens. 
[Wistfully.] It seemsi queer not to get any presents. 

Mrs. Becker: If you've got money to buy yerselves 
Chris 'mus presents, buy 'em; you needn't look for 'em 
from folks that's keepin' ye fer nuthin'. I'll say it's 
plenty, an' too much, that we have to give ye a home. 

Cecil: Yes, that's so, Cousin Martha. [Sadly.] I wish 
there was some way I could earn money to pay you. 
My shoes look dreadful. Have you any blacking, 
Cousin Martha ? 

Mrs. Becker: No, I hain't. Can't spend money fer it. 

Cecil: I wonder if I could put a little ink where they're 
worn off the worst. 

Mrs. Becker : Say, waste good ink on them old shoes ? I 
guess not. Don't be so troubled 'bout yer looks. Well, 
I s'pose it's 'bout time to be goin'. If they ask ye to stay 
to supper, too, be sure an' stay. If you git a good fill-up 
today 'twon't take so much to feed ye tomorry. [Exit.] 



THE REUNION AT PINE KNOT RANCH 13 

Jo: Oh, Cecil, can't we go away from here? She's so 
mean. 

Gene : I won't wear thia calico; it looks horrid. [Pulls 
sash off, wraps it up and throws it in basket.] Isn't 
this a terrible Christmas? 

Cecil [sadly] : If there was only some place else we could 
go. When spring comes we'll run away and I'll get a 
place to work. 

JO: Oh, if dear old Santa Claus would just bring us a 
home for a present it's all we'd ask. 

Cecil: Yes, a home where the folks liked us and wanted 
us to stay. This is the worst Christmas we've ever had. 

Gene: But anyway, let's be glad we're invited to a party. 
I hope there'll be some nice girls to play games with. 

Cecil: So do I. It must be time to start; let's get our 
things on because it's quite a walk over there Cousin 
Martha says. 

Jo: Yes, let's go. I want to get out of this house. 
[Exeunt.] 

CURTAIN 



SCENE III — Living room at Pine Knot ranch 

Shorty is dressed in rather a stylish wool gown and a fancy- 
apron. He wears glasses and a lace breakfast cap pulled well 
down onto his face. A boy should be chosen for this part who 
looks like a woman when in costume. 

Discovered, Hal and Bill. 

Hal : Well, it's Christmas and our dinner is coming on 
fine. I DO hope Shorty plays his part all right. I 
feel sort of nervous 'bout him. Don't see why Mother 
Kerr had to get sick and go back on us. I'll admit I 
feel scared about entertaining three girls. 



14 THE REUNION AT PINE KNOT RANCH 

Bill: Say, so do I. Good land, I don't know -what to say 

to girls. ' I'll be plum' scart to death to try to talk to 

'em. Wish we hadn't asked 'em. 
Hal: Well, we wouldn't have asked them if we'd known 

they were girls. Of course Gene an' Cecil an' Joe ought 

to be boys. We can't help it now— we've got to go 

through with the party. 
Bill: Can't Mother Kerr get up so's to help talk to 

'em? 
Hal : Oh, shucks, she groans if you look at her! We'll 

just have to manage somehow. I hope that blamed 

Shorty behaves all right. I'm afraid he'll get us m 

trouble. 
Bill: Say, if he don't it'll be a wonder. 

Enter Pete. 
Pete: Things all right? Looks fine here. Say— they're 

comin'. 
Hal: Are they? I'm scared stiff. Where's Shorty— I 

mean Aunt Bella? 
Pete: I'll bet he gets us in bad— I feel it in my bones. 

[Knock is heard,] 
Hal [motioning] ■. You go to the door, Pete. 
Pete [motioning] : You go, Bill. 
Bill [motioning] : You go, Hal; it's your house. 
Hal [stage whisper] : Oh, heavens an' earth! We forgot 

to dress up. [Louder knock is heard.] 
Bill: Scott's sake— I never thought of it. [Hal goes 

over and admits the girls.] 

Enter Gene, Cecil and Jo. 

Hal- Merry Christmas. Come in. We're very glad you 
came. I'm Hal Hall. [Girls say "Merry Christmas" 
as he shakes hands.] 



THE REUNION AT PINE KNOT RANCH 15 

Cecil: We're the Conway girls. I'm Cecil; this 
[points] is Gene, and this [points] is Jo. "We're sure 
glad to come over and get acquainted. [Hal has them 
take off their wraps which Bill takes off stage.] 

Hal : This is Pete Evans — one the fellows who lives here 
at the ranch. [Girls speak; Pete bows awkardly.] 
Where's that Shor — I mean, Aunt Bella? 

Pete [awkwardly to girls] : Real cold — that is, I mean 
it's real nice out, ain't it? 

Cecil: Yes, it was very nice walking over; just cold 
enough to make us hurry. 

Enter Bill and Shorty [as Aunt Bella]. 

Hal : Aunt Bella, these are the Conway girls, Cecil 
and — Gene and Jo. [To girls.] This is Aunt Bella 
Lester who lives with us:. 

Shorty [squeaky voice] : Merry Chris 'mus, young ladies. 
[Shakes hands.] I'm glad you've come. It's nice to 
have comp'ny on Chris 'mus. [All sit.] 

Jo: Well, we're glad to come over here 'cause I guess 
we'd died if we'd had to stay at Cousin Martha 's. 

Gene : She means that we were — well, sort of homesick. 
We always used to have a tree and lots of good times on 
Christmas before we came here. 

Hal : We don't care much about a Christmas tree because 
Pine Knot ranch has so many evergreen trees we don't 
think they're much of a treat. 

Shorty [natural voice] : When I was a boy in Ohio we — 

Hal [interrupting] : Aunt Bella, what's the matter with 
your voice? — you're hoarse. [Aside.] 'You dunce,, can't 
you remember. [To girls.] You mustn't mind Aunt 
Bella; she's — been sick. That's — why she has to wear 
a cap, you know. 



16 THE REUNION AT PINE KNOT RANCH 

Cecil : I s 'pose her hair came out like Mis ' Jenson 's did 
when she had the fever. 

Bill: Have you girls seen any bears yet since you came 
here ? 

Jo : Oh, are there bears around here? I'd like to see 
one — if it wasn 't too close. 

Bill: Yes, there's quite a lot of 'em over in the hills. 

Shorty [natural voice] : Say, that time Bill an' me 
went bear huntin'. — 

Pete [interrupting] : Land sakes, Aunt Bell, you must 
take some lozerngers fer your voice. [Aside.] Say, 
we'll skin you if you hain't more careful. You'll spoil 
the whole shootin' match. 

Jo [looking closely at Shorty] : Aunt Bella seems a 
whole lot like a man. 

Hal : Well — w'y, — that's because his — I mean because 
her father was a man. 

Bill: Say, I think we'd oughter pop some corn or make 
candy. 

Gene : It 's lots of fun to make candy. We used to make 
it ev'ry Christmas. 

Shorty [using woman's voice] : Yes, we must make some 
candy. I know how to make some fine fudge. [He smiles 
at Cecil and crosses one leg over the other so as to show 
his trousers under the skirt.] 

Pete [whisper] : Put yer foot down, you chump! [Cecil 
notices the trousers and gives a gasp.] 

Hal : Aunt Bella, you better go see if the meat is cook- 
ing all right. [Shorty puts foot down hut not until the 
girls have seen the trousers.] 

Shorty [natural voice] : Aw, Bill's cookin' that meat — 
let him. 



THE REUNION AT PINE KNOT RANCH 17 

Cecil [nervously] : Aren't there any other girls coming 
to the party ? 

Hal : Well, yon see, there aren't any more living near 
here. 

Shorty [woman's voice] : "We don't need no more when 
I'm the chapyrony. We'll make that candy right now, 
► 'fore dinner's ready. 

Bill-. Well, we've got to look after the dinner or we 
won't have none. 

Shorty [woman's voice] -. Well, go look after it. 

Bill; Yon come help me, Aunt Bell. [He goes to take 
hold of the breakfast cap, Shorty dodges and the cap 
comes off in Bill's hand.] 

Shorty : There, look what yon 've done ! 

Cecil : Oh, he IS a man ! 

Gene : We mustn't stay here when there's only men. 

Jo : Oh, I want some dinner 'fore I go. 

Pete: Yon chump, I knew yon'd spoil things. 

Shorty [loudly] : Don't yon blame me — I didn't want 
to be no woman. 

Enter Mr. and Mrs. Hall. 

Mr. Hall: Well, well, what's the racket about? 

Mrs. Hall: Shorty, what are yon doing in that dress? 

Hal : Oh, say, folks, I never was so glad to see any one in 
my life. [Business of shaking hands, saying "Merry 

Christmas^ etc.] 

Mr. Hall : We were afraid we couldn't get here today, 
but we made it. 



18 THE REUNION AT PINE KNOT RANCH 

HAL: Dad and mother, these are our neighbors from the 
Becker ranch who've come over to have Christmas din- 
ner with u*. [Mr. and Mrs. Hall greet the girls. 
Shorty slips out. ] 

Mrs. Hall: We're very glad to have yon with ns. I've 
often wished there were some girls living near Pine Knot 
ranch. How is dinner coming? 

Mr. Hall : That's what I want to know. I'm most 
starved. 

Pete : We've been talkin' so much I guess it ain't comin' 
very fast. 

Enter Mrs. Kerr. 

Mrs. Kerr : Oh, gracious me! If here ain't Mr. an' 
Mis' Hall — an' I'll bet dinner ain't half ready. It's a 
good thing my nooralgy's got better. 

Mr. Hall: Well, I hope it's better or I'll faint from 
hunger. 

Mrs. Kerr: Don't you fret, sir. I'll have things ready 
in no time. [Exit.] 

Hal : I guess Cecil and Gene and Jo will be hungry, 
too. 

Mrs. Hall [turning quickly] : What? What did you 
call them? 

Cecil: I'm Cecil, this [pointing] is Gene and this is Jo. 

Mrs. Hall : Quick, tell me your last name. What is it ? 

Cecil : Conway. Our father was Howard Conway. 

Mrs. Hall : Howard Conway! [Hugs the girls.] Oh, 
you dear, DEAR girls. I 've hunted for you so long and 
now to find you in my own home. Hal, these are your 
cousins. 

Mr. Hall: What? Howard's girls? - How glad I am. 



THE REUNION AT PINE KNOT RANCH 19 

Mrs. Hall : After your mother died your father took you 
girls east; soon we moved west and after a time I lost 
trace of you. I have tried many times to find where 
you were. 

Gene; We're living with cousin Martha Becker now. 

JO: And we don't like it a bit, 

Mrs. Hall,: No, I'm sure you don't. Well, thank fate, 
you won't live there any longer. Your mother was my 
dearest cousin. 

Mr. Hall : No, they '11 live with us. Wei need some girls 
to keep Hal straight. 

Hal : Oh, say, they'll be our Christmas presents. Isn't 
that great? 

Jo : And to think that Santa Claus brought us a home for 
a Christmas present, just as we wished he would. 

Gene : Isn't this the best Christmas we've had since 
papa left us? 

Cecil : Oh, it surely is. [Laughs.] But where has Aunt 
Bella gone? 

Enter Shorty [regular clothes]. 

Shorty: She's gone, but I'm here an' if you girLa are 
goin' to stay here I'll teach you to ride wild horses. 

Gene : I'd love that — if they aren't too wild. 

Enter Mrs. Kerr. 

Mrs. Kerr : Dinner's ready, folks. 'Tain't so good as if 
I hadn't been down with nooralgy, but it'll keep you 
from starvia'. 

Mr. Hall : Peace on earth, good will to men. Christmas 
is a wonderful day, especially when there's a good dinner 
waiting. [All pass out.] 

CURTAIN 



Entertainments for All Oeeasions 

«"•..••••«•••••••••••••••••••"•"•■••••••••••••••"•••••••••••••••••■•»•"•«•"•••••••"•..•..•..•..•..•..•..•..«..«..«..«..«.. 

Special Day Entertainments 

BEST CHRISTMAS PANTOMIMES— Irish $0.40 

CHOICE CHRISTMAS DIALOGUES AND PLAYS— Irish .40 

CHOICE CHRISTMAS ENTERTAINMENTS— Irish 40 

CHRISTMAS AT MCCARTHYS'— Guptill 25 

CHRISTMAS AT PUMPKIN HOLLER— Guptill 25 

CHRISTMAS EVE AT MULLIGAN'S— Irish 25 

CHRISTMAS SPEAKIN' AT SKAGGS' SKULE— Irish 25 

IN A TOY SHOP— Preston 25 

THE PRIMARY CHRISTMAS BOOK— Irish 40 

PUMPKIN PIE PETER— Irish 25 

THE REUNION AT PINE KNOT RANCH— Irish .25 

SNOWBOUND FOR CHRISTMAS— Preston 25 

A STRIKE IN SANTA LAND— Preston 25 

A THANKSGIVING CONSPIRACY— Irish 25 

A THANKSGIVING DREAM— Preston .25 

A TOPSY-TURVY CHRISTMAS— Guptill .25 

Dialogues and Children's Plays 

ALL IN A GARDEN FAIR— Wilbur $0.25 

DOLLS ON DRESS PARADE— Preston .25 

A PARTY IN MOTHER GOOSE LAND— Preston .25 

SNAPPY HUMOROUS DIALOGUES— Irish 40 

Recitations and Pantomimes 

CATCHY PRIMARY RECITATIONS— Irish $0.30 

OLD TIME SONGS PANTOMIMED— Irish 40 

Plays 

THE DEAREST THING IN BOOTS— MacKenzie $0.25 

THE GREAT CHICKEN STEALING CASE OF EBENEZER 

COUNTY— Richardson 25 

THE GREAT WHISKEY STEALING CASE— Richardson 25 

MISS JANIE; OR, THE CURTAILED COURTSHIP— Bonham. .25 

THAT AWFUL LETTER— MacKenzie 25 

THE UNEXPECTED GUEST— MacKenzie 25 

Monologues 

AS OUR WASHWOMAN SEES IT— MacKenzie $0.25 

ASK OUIJA— MacKenzie 25 

THE COUNTRY COUSIN SPEAKS HER MIND— MacKenzie . . .25 

GLADYS REVIEWS THE DANCE— MacKenzie 25 

I'M ENGAGED— MacKenzie 25 

SHE SAYS SHE STUDIES— MacKenzie 25 

SUSAN GETS READY FOR CHURCH— MacKenzie 25 



•..«..#..»_«..«..#..#..,..»..•. .«..*..«..•. .•..».. «..••.•••••.••■•. .«•••• 



PAINE PUBLISHING CO. Dayton, Ohio 



Entertainments for Christmas 



^•••••••••-•••••••••••••••••••••••••"•••••••- 



CHOICE CHRISTMAS ENTERTAINMENTS By Marie Irish 

For children of all grades. Contents: 50 recitations, 8 mono- 
logues, 11 plays and dialogues, 5 drills and marches, 8 tableaux, 
4 pantomimes, 8 pantomimed carols, 8 songs, etc. Price, 40 cents. 

THE PRIMARY CHRISTMAS BOOK By Marie Irish 

For children under ten years of age. Contents: 68 recitations, 
12 exercises, 7 songs, 6 drills, 12 dialogues and plays, 9 pantomimes. 
Price, 40 cents. 

BEST CHRISTMAS PANTOMIMES By Marie Irish 

Twelve pantomimes, each accompanied by complete words, 
directions and music. Some are serious and some are in a lighter 
vein. Price, 40 cents. 

CHOICE CHRISTMAS DIALOGUES AND PLAYS... By Marie Irish 
Ten dialogues for Primary Grades, 10 dialogues for Intermediate 
Grades and 8 plays for Grammar Grades. Price, 40 cents. 

CHRISTMAS AT MCCARTHYS' By Elizabeth F. Guptill 

Brimful of fun and Christmas spirit. For any number of young 
folks and children. Time, 30 minutes. Price, 25 cents. 

CHRISTMAS AT PUMPKIN* HOLLER By Elizabeth F. Guptill 

The old-fashioned school is rehearsing for the Christmas enter- 
tainment. Funny from beginning to end. Time, 30 minutes. For 
any number of children. Price, 25 cents. 

CHRISTMAS EVE AT MULLIGAN'S By Marie Irish 

For all grades. 4 males, 5 females. Time, 30 minutes. A most 
unusual play. Plenty of wit and humor as well as more serious 
episodes. Sure to be a success. Price, 25 cents. 

CHRISTMAS SPEAKIN' AT SKAGGS' SKULE By Marie Irish 

A back woods school entertainment is featured. Easy to pre- 
pare and plenty of fun. For 6 boys and 8 girls. Time, 30 minutes. 
Price, 25 cents. 

IN A TOY SHOP By Effa E. Preston 

In rhyme. For 12 or more small children. A clever little play 
that will please. Time, 20 minutes. Price, 25 cents. 

THE REUNION AT PINE KNOT RANCH By Marie Irish 

For upper grades. 5 males and 6 females. Time, 30 minutes. 
Plenty of fun and a great surprise. Price, 25 cents. 

SNOWBOUND FOR CHRISTMAS By Marie Irish 

For 4 boys and 4 girls. For mixed grades. Time, 25 minutes. 
The older children play Santa Claus for the younger ones. Price, 
25 cents. 

A STRIKE IN SANTA LAND By Effa E. Preston 

In rhyme. 8 boys, 7 girls. Time, 20 minutes. Very easy but 
effective. Price, 25 cents. 

A TOPSY-TURVY CHRISTMAS By Elizabeth F. Guptill 

Humorous. For any number of children under fourteen years 
of age. Time, 30 minutes. Price, 25 cents. 



PAINE PUBLISHING CO. 



LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 




017 400 676 3 



